PDB Shootout Qwest Avanti

First Impression

With this top-of-the-line model, luxury comes standard. It’s amazing how much is packed into this pontoon and once we were able to take a closer look we began to appreciate the over-built design and high-quality fit and finish work.

Highlights

The exterior looks great and it all starts with the double gunnel walls and with the horizontal trusses; it’s an extremely solid design. Inside the boat the textured vinyl seating welcomes you with two chaise lounges in the bow and because all of the furniture is made in-house, Qwest is able to dial in exactly how each hand-crafted seat should be. The Ultra Flow seat bases provide extra storage below with a great ventilation system. And speaking of storage, you wouldn’t believe how much room is available to stow gear onboard including the large in-floor ski locker.

At the fiberglass helm console is a built-in Humminbird Helix 5 GPS that is perfectly centered between well-labeled rocker switches with a PTM mirror from Protomet mounted on the side. The helm also includes Infinity stereo controls, RAM Mounts cell phone holder, a 12-volt outlet and USB/auxiliary port, storage compartment for the driver and a tilt steering wheel. And as an added touch, there is even a refrigerated cupholder for the captain, plus an electric-powered Bimini top.  

We feel the helm chair for the captain should be the most comfortable and the high back reclining seat delivers. But the best part is there is an identical one directly across for the first mate with two more helm chairs for a total of four with dual Bar Stations in between them.

Each station includes a solid surface top, USB port, a pull-out cutting board, a lockable storage drawer with a portable cooler below. This means the boat actually comes standard with two coolers, which helps double your time on the water. The only thing missing would be a sink and faucet, but this model does come standard with a washdown near the stern gate. The final touch is the rear-facing “porch-like” bench seat, which is a Lanai staple. It doubles as a dock box too and included on the stern swim deck is a five-step curved ladder and a massive ski/tow bar with Infinity Woven vinyl flooring throughout the boat to tie it all in.

Inspection

Below deck the three 24-inch diameter pontoons are made from .90-gauge aluminum with lifting strakes on all three. It’s all part of the optional Gen. II Triple Tube package that also includes a full aluminum skin. Above deck the rail height stands at a safe and consistent 30 inches tall around the majority of the boat.

Performance

The BF250 is Honda’s top-of-the-line four-stroke so we love the pairing with this high-end Qwest. She was quick to plane with a zero-to-20 mph time of just 5 seconds and we were able to comfortably reach speeds in the mid 40s at full throttle. And with the Ultraflex controls we were able to dial in the steering tension for a comfortable and smooth ride. 

Parting Thought

Built by boaters, the attention to detail is amazing. We love all the USB ports to keep everyone charged and happy along with designated storage areas to ensure the interior stays clean and organized. As tested, this Avanti has a lot to offer and is worthy of a closer look.

For more information:
St. Louis, Mich.
977-463-0356
www.qwestpontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12
Price As Tested With Power: $61K
Maximum Speed: 45.4 mph
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.03 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…Solid construction with a thoughtful design, a lot of great features are packed into this Avanti where the space is used perfectly. 

Just being picky… With two portable coolers and nearly 20 cupholders onboard, we’d like to see a trash receptacle included with the Bar Station layout. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

All-fiberglass helm stand/side control panel, wood grain dash, ss cupholders, ss spoke steering wheel w/soft grip and woodgrain accents, adjustable tilt steering system, dry storage tube, refrigerated driver seat cupholder, Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar Color Combination GPS/FishFinder, Infinity PRV 315 stereo, Infinity subwoofer and six speakers, RAM universal cell phone mount, helm USB and two USB ports in laybacks, interior blue LED lighting on cupholders/speakers, LED docking/navigation/helm courtesy lights, hand-crafted upholstery w/proprietary Ultra Flow seat base ventilation system/custom Incamat seat base liners, Comfort Touch linen textured seating vinyl, Dura-Lite composite seat bases, Pillow Top layback seats, high back reclining captain’s seat, upholstered cupholder console with USB for passenger seat, DS Bar, rear Lanai seat w/full length storage box/pillow backrest, Diamond Seagrass Infinity Woven vinyl flooring, Sur-Last Bimini top, proprietary two-tier wall system w/integrated “HT” horizontal truss center rail/chrome bumper guard/modern large front radius, custom color-matched graphics/autochrome accents, “contoured” aluminum ladder, battery disconnect w/Voltage Sensing Relay, high-pressure raw water washdown system, and ski/tow bar.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Gen. II Triple Tube pkg., in-floor ski locker, layback w/privacy enclosure, foot stool, Blue Ice lighting pkg., throw pillows, swim-up wet bar, beach bags, 9-ft power Bimini, playpen cover, power assist steering, Sharkhide pontoons and Honda pre-rigged.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 25’ 4”
Beam: 8’
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight       2,155 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    35 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Honda BF250
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 219ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Propeller: N/A 

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
900                  2.2                   75.5
1000                3.1                   81
1500                4.3                   80.5
2000                6.6                   83.5
2500                9.8                   85
3000                16.5                 84
3500                21.6                 87.5
4000                27.4                 94.5
4500                32.8                 96
5000                36.7                 102.5
5500                41.9                 105
5900                45.4                 109

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $61,161
Base Price (Boat Only): $27,861

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.